INTERTANKO seeks blockade of Somali coast

INTERTANKO, the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners" is calling for, essentially, a naval blockade of Somalia.

INTERTANKO says that with the hijacking of the Sirius Star "the at-risk zone has been pushed right out into the Indian Ocean, stretching naval forces even further."

INTERTANKO says that "given the recent expansion of the at-risk zone, the effectiveness of the naval/military presence could be increased by their coordinating a security cordon around the Somali coasts. Under UN or other mandate, these forces could be authorized to investigate suspicious craft and take whatever action is necessary, while at the same time recognising the legitimacy of local fishermen and other trade including humanitarian aid."